Dhubri MP Calls for Inquiry into Former Election Officer Amid Bye-Election Controversy
Call for Investigation into Election Conduct
Devasish Sharma (Photo: @FightApsc / X)
Guwahati, Sept 4: Rakibul Hussain, the MP from Dhubri, has formally requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate a thorough and timely investigation into the actions of Devasish Sharma, the former District Commissioner and District Election Officer of Nagaon. This request comes in light of reports suggesting Sharma's potential candidacy in the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha bye-election.
In a letter dated September 3, addressed to the ECI via the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, Hussain emphasized the need for immediate action to uphold the "purity, neutrality, and credibility" of the electoral process in Nagaon.
Previously, on August 30, Hussain had approached the ECI, referencing media reports and social media discussions regarding Sharma's possible candidacy. He included photographs that purportedly depicted Sharma's extensive public engagements.
Sharma has since opted for voluntary retirement, a request that has been accepted by the Assam government. However, Hussain contends that this resignation should not exempt Sharma from scrutiny regarding his conduct during his tenure.
“Resigning from a public position should not serve as a shield against accountability for actions taken while in a position of authority,” he remarked.
As the DC-cum-DEO, Sharma oversaw critical elements of election management, including the handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), polling logistics, personnel deployment, and overall election readiness.
Hussain has called for a review of all significant election-related decisions made during Sharma's time in office, particularly those that could influence the forthcoming bye-election. He has also requested the appointment of an independent senior Election Officer or Observer to oversee the election preparations in Nagaon.
Expressing concern over the delay in announcing the bye-election, Hussain alleged that the ruling BJP is in search of a candidate and has seemingly settled on the former district commissioner.
“Does anyone know when the Nagaon bye-election will take place? No one seems to know — not the Election Commissioner, nor anyone else. Only Himanta Biswa Sarma appears to have the answer,” Hussain stated, questioning the postponement of the election.
He highlighted that, according to the Constitution, a Lok Sabha seat must be filled through a bye-election within six months of its vacancy, raising concerns about the timeline for the Nagaon election.
Hussain pointed out that the prospect of Sharma running for election is troubling, given that he was responsible for overseeing the electoral process in Nagaon.
“The individual who managed the elections in Nagaon is now a formal candidate for the BJP. This is not merely speculation; it has been reported in the media,” Hussain asserted.
He warned that this situation could undermine public trust in the electoral process's impartiality and noted that the Congress party has already sought the ECI's intervention.
Furthermore, Hussain questioned how an officer who managed election duties could later contest from the same constituency. Referring to previous allegations of electoral misconduct, he asked, “Previously it was about vote theft; what do we call this situation now?”
His letter also raises concerns regarding irregularities in the use of 15th Finance Commission funds at the Gram Panchayat level. Hussain alleged that, under Sharma's influence, certain Zila Parishad CEOs and BDOs facilitated projects involving these funds without adhering to established protocols.
He has called for a thorough investigation into all financial and administrative records related to these funds, including approvals, work orders, and utilization certificates, to ensure no evidence is lost or tampered with.
Hussain clarified that the complaint is not meant to pre-determine anyone's guilt or innocence but seeks to hold accountable those officials who acted under Sharma's direction.
This issue has also been raised by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi urging the ECI to take action, citing concerns over Sharma's resignation and potential candidacy on a BJP ticket, which raises questions about the Nagaon bye-election's impartiality.
Gogoi has also referenced the allegations regarding the 15th Finance Commission funds and has called for an independent, timely inquiry into Sharma's actions during his tenure.
Hussain mentioned that the ECI has indicated it would conduct an investigation and expressed hope for appropriate actions to be taken.
“If the ECI acts, we will know elections are forthcoming. Otherwise, conducting elections would be futile,” Hussain concluded.